This list has been done many times before, and for good reason.  The car chase is a quintessential part of any action movie; it excites our senses, provides us with a chance to live out dreams of ravaging city streets in the cars we love, and, for a few glorious moments allows us to suspend all reality and believe that these sequences are actually possible.  Problem is, everyone got it wrong.  So here’s my list.  Forget the popcorn, just enjoy.

Drive

It’s first, because it inspired the list.  There are two great chase scenes in Drive, the opening scene, which is more of a slow go hide and seek, and the heist aftermath.  You could say these scenes make the movie…a real hero.

Transporter

Jason Statham is at his most comfortable behind the wheel of a BMW 7 Series.  Filled with nice shifting and clutch-work cut sequences, the Transporter proves once again that eluding the police is easy when you’ve got driving gloves and the right machinery.

Duel

More of a cat and mouse game than straight up chase, the entire movie centers on Dennis Weaver playing the mouse against an unknown truck driving menace until- well, no spoilers here.  Duel is a fine example of early road rage.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day

Have you seen this boy?  John Connor on a dirt bike VS the T1000 in a tow truck.  Seems unfair until you realize Connor’s got Arnold with a shotgun at his side.  The scene where T1000 crashes through the overpass is legendary.

Top Gear- Bugatti VS Jet

Richard Hammond pilots the world’s fastest car against a Euro Fighter Typhoon- sounds fair.  Not a movie, nor a typical chase scene, but it’s in because it’s fantastic television.

Bullit

I never thought I’d use the term ‘natural’ to describe a car chase, but here we are.  Check out Steve McQueen being cool.

Bourne Identity

Just when Jason Bourne is starting to realize what he’s all about, he’s interrupted by the Parisian police and has to escape in an old MINI.  And like a typical tourist, he proceeds to travel the wrong way on the freeway.  The scene also set the tone for clips like this.

Gone in 60 Seconds (Original)

I heard somewhere that there is almost one car crash for every minute of this 1974 classic.  Take a look at some of the carnage.

Top Gear pt. 2- Clarkson VS Hamster & Captain Slow

Again, an atypical entry and again, featuring a plane and Bugatti, this entire segment proves once again why Top Gear is one of the most entertaining shows in the world.

Ronin

I was actually surprised at how old this movie is (relatively speaking) when I looked it up.  Just goes to show you that great action never ages.

French Connection

Car VS train.  Apologies in advance for the poor video quality.  (Video courtesy of Spiketv.com)

Death Proof

Quentin Tarantino and Kurt ‘2-eyed Snake Plisskin’ Russell join forces for a little car chase awesomeness.  Check out some edge of the hood action- amazing stunts to be found.

The Seven-Ups

How’s this for a good chase scene- I’ve never seen any other part of this movie besides this one.

Honorable mention goes to The Blues Brothers, Fast & Furious franchise, Vanishing Point, and every other chase scene not mentioned in the article.